Medical Oncology

What is medical oncology?

Medical oncology is a type of cancer care where medical oncologists treat cancer using medications. They can also diagnosis and help prevent various cancers, as well as help you manage symptoms and side effects of both your cancer and cancer treatments.

What conditions do medical oncologists treat?

Medical oncologists can treat almost all types of cancer. Many will specialize in one type of cancer, or a small subset of cancers, such as brain cancers.

What services does medical oncology offer?

• Chemotherapy: an oral or IV medication used to destroy cancer cells throughout the body
• Targeted therapy: drugs used to identify and attack cancer cells, so there’s less damage to normal cells than with other cancer treatments
• Immunotherapy: a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer
• Hormone therapy: a treatment uses to treat cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, most notably breast cancers

What should I expect during my first visit?

For many people, a medical oncologist is the first doctor you’ll see after you’re diagnosed with cancer. They will explain your diagnosis, explain treatment options and what they will entail, and answer any questions you have.  

They might also do a physical exam or order more tests, to ensure that they understand all the effects your cancer is having.

Depending on what you choose for treatment, a medical oncologist may refer you to another specialist, such as a radiation oncologist.  

What should I expect as I continue to receive care?

If you get referred to another cancer specialist, your medical oncologist will continue to work closely with your entire care team throughout your treatment.  

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